The correlation between tonsil size and academic performance is not a direct one, but the results of various factors

Kargoshaie, A.A. and Najafi, M. and Akhlaghi, M. and Khazraie, H.R. and Hekmatdoost, A.
(2009)
The correlation between tonsil size and academic performance is not a direct one, but the results of various factors.
ACTA OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGICA ITALICA, 29 (5).
pp. 255-258.

Abstract

Chronic upper airway obstruction most often occurs when both tonsils and adenoid are enlarged but may occur when either is enlarged. Obstructive sleep syndrome in young children has been reported to be associated with an adverse effect on learning and academic performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of relative size of the tonsil on academic performance in 4(th) grade school children. In 320 children, physical examination to determine the size of tonsils was performed by the otorhinolaryngologist. A questionnaire was developed to assess sleep patterns and problems, and socio-demographic data for the student participants. Furthermore, their school performance was assessed using their grade in mathematics, science, reading, spelling, and handwriting. No association between tonsil size and academic performance was found. Snoring frequency, body mass index and body weight showed a positive relation with tonsil size. There was no association between tonsil size and sleepiness during the day, sleeping habits, hyperactivity, enuresis, history of tonsillectomy in children and parental cigarette smoking and education. In conclusion, this study did not show any significant relationship between tonsil size and academic performance in 4th grade students. Further studies are recommended with a larger sample size, cognitive exams for evaluation of attention, and follow-up of the students until high school, when the discrepancy of the students' academic performance is more obvious.